American Samoa. People and Economy

A territory of the United States, American Samoa lies south of the equator, about 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii. The seven islands that make up American Samoa have a total area of 76 square miles (197 square kilometers). Six of the territory's seven islands are divided among three groups—Tutuila and Aunuu; Ofu, Olosega, and Tau; and Rose.

These islands are in the Samoan chain. The seventh. Swains Island, lies 200 miles (310 kilometers) north. Tutuila, the largest and most important island, lies at the western end of American Samoa. Pago Pago (pronounced PAHNG oh PAHNG oh), American Samoa's capital and only urban center, is on Tutuila. Pago Pago has one of the best and most beautiful harbors in the South Pacific.

Pago Pago, the capital and only urban center on American Samoa, has one of the best—and most beautiful—harbors in the South Pacific

American Samoa lies in western Polynesia, about 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii. The territory consists of seven islands, which have a total land area of 76 square miles (197 square kilometers)

Rose and Swains islands are coral islands, while the others are the remains of extinct volcanoes. American Samoa has a wet, tropical climate. Only a third of the territory's land can be cultivated. Most of the land is mountainous, with some fertile soil in the valleys. The islands have few natural resources.

People. Almost all the territory's 65,446 people are Polynesian people whose ancestors have occupied Samoa for at least 2,000 years. Their main language is Samoan, a Polynesian dialect, and many people speak English. Most American Samoans practice some sort of Christianity.

Most people live in villages, and their lives center around their families. Each family group is headed by a chief who represents the family in the village council, controls its property, and takes care of the sick or aged.

Samoan children, below, wear traditional as well as Western clothing. They attend new schools built with U.S. funds, and many are taught by television. Children from ages 6 to 18 must attend school

Economy. In 1961 , when the United States began an economic development program in American Samoa, many people left their villages to take jobs in industries around Pago Pago. As part of the economic development program, thatch-roofed houses were replaced by hurricane-proof concrete buildings, new schools were built, and teaching by television was introduced.

The U.S. Navy administered the U.S. islands until 1951 , when they were transferred to the Department of the Interior. Afterward, the secretary of the interior appointed the governor of American Samoa.

In the early 1970's, the United States proposed that the territory elect its own governor, but the Samoans voted against the proposal three times. Many believed that the change would weaken their ties to the United States. American Samoans finally approved the proposal in 1 976 and elected a governor in 1977. Governors serve four-year terms. The territory has a legislature with an 18-member Senate and a 20-member House of Representatives.

The U.S. Congress classifies American Samoa as an unorganized and unincorporated territory. Unincorporated territories are not eligible to become states and have fewer rights than incorporated territories. American Samoans elect a delegate to the United States House of Representatives. The delegate may vote in House committees, but not in House votes.